Woodlief Gets Special Invite

Don Callahan

04/07/2005

While most recruits received invites to the Tar Heels' Blue-White Spring Game, Matt Woodlief of Catawba (N.C.) Bandys received some preferential treatment from the UNC staff last week, as he was invited on an a mid-week visit of his own.

"Coach [Brad] Lawing called the schools and wanted me and my parents to come visit them," said Woodlief.

Just like his junior day visit to Chapel Hill in March, Woodlief received a campus tour and attended a spring football practice. But unlike his junior day visit, the UNC coaching staff spoke more in-depth about the 5-foot-11, 230-pounder's recruitment.

"They talked about an offer," said Woodlief. "They want me for fullback. I talked to coach [Andre] Powell – the running back coach – about it. They want me to show them my speed and stuff this summer so I plan on going to camp there this summer."

Woodlief, who currently is waiting for his first scholarship offer, is also receiving strong interest from Wake Forest and Virginia Tech. He attended the Hokies' junior day last Saturday and plans to be in Winston-Salem this Saturday for the Demon Deacons' spring game.

Wake Forest still maintains the leader position for Woodlief, but the linebacker admits North Carolina has closed the gap significantly.

"I'm still leaning towards Wake a little, but it's going to be tough," said Woodlief. "I really like North Carolina's campus and coaching staff."

Originally Woodlief had hoped for a September commitment, but he now realizes that might not be possible with how close things are between Wake Forest and the Tar Heels.